I have a Roth 401K through my employer, which includes my personal contributions, employer match, and an additional employer contribution.

As a result, I have been dealing with all maintenance and unit make readies myself.  

The calculation of net realizable value is based on several estimates which may ultimately vary materially from actual results, including our estimate of the price at which we expect sell each home in inventory and the associated expected costs to sell those homes."

Also, do not rely on the rapid increases resulting from COVID; these increases are not sustainable.

I think the best route is to test the demand in the market for a longer-term tenant and if that ends up not producing ideal results go to the STR.

If I take cash-out refinance (e.g. 80% of equity) for this house so that I can use that money in some other investment, would it result in same (or simlar) tax benefit as like I have a refresh mortage on this house? 

@Nisarg GandhiUnfortunately, you may lose out on the partial exclusion if you rented the house prior to sale.The exclusion is dependent on sale as a result of the move.

This isn't an investment for you, so if the end result is what you are looking for, then it's worth it.

I avoid buying any deals with any major negatives to it such as busy streets, near railroad tracks, in airport flight paths, having a large number of stairs to climb from street to front door, commercial unit next to or behind it (unless the play is to convert the usage of course), or any major factor that will hinder your buyers pool With a smaller buyers pool comes less competition for your unit and therefore, typically will make it more difficult to sell (longer hold times) and for less than the model match on a non busy street or without major detrimental factors.This opinion of mine comes from 15 years of experience and making some of these mistakes.

When your bid is recognized as the low bid on the Results Page, you are obligated to pay for the certificate even if the bid was unintentional.Doesn't say what happens if multiple parties bid to 0%, so I assume it's the first party to bid the lowest.